Gran Retto to include Havana in July 2026

A collaboration by Rachell Cowan Canino / Photos: Abel Rojas Barallobre

After a weekend of adrenaline and self-improvement, the 4th Gran Retto Varadero 2025 Open Water Crossing came to a end with excellent news. At the closing ceremony, Luis Mario Villareal, director of the Mexican company, revealed the launch of the Gran Retto 2025-2026 Circuit, which will include two stops in Cuba: Havana in July, and Varadero in September.

These transformative announcements for Cuban sport and tourism were revealed during the ceremony at the iconic Cabaret Continental. The overall winners of the 5km and 10km categories (women’s and men’s) received free registrations for the next edition and three-night stays at the Barceló Solymar-Occidental Arenas Blancas resort, as well as free travel to any of the Retto competitions, depending on their location. Villareal highlighted the recognition awarded to Havanatur as the event’s official host, for its work in marketing and international promotion since the first edition.

The official announcement of the 2025-2026 Grand Retto Championship, which will begin in October with a scoring system from 1st to 10th place in eight events, is as follows:

• November 2025: Puerto Escondido (Mexico)
• January 2026: Catemaco (Mexico)
• February 2026: Ruta del Pirata
• April 2026: Veracruz
• May 2026: La Resurgencia
• July 2026: Gran Retto Havana (Cuba)
• September 2026: Gran Retto Varadero Gala Edition (double points)

The event confirmed its growth with 604 competitors and more than 800 participants in 2025, consolidating its position as Cuba’s premier open water event. The inclusion of Mexican and Cuban destinations in the circuit seeks to position the region as a hub for international sports tourism.

Villareal highlighted the collaboration of Maureen Croes, president of Panam Aquatics, in this edition. “She will also help us promote more destinations throughout the continent. So follow us on our social media, on Facebook and on Instagram. Don’t miss the news we will be revealing at the upcoming venues in the Americas and soon in Europe,” he emphasized.

The closing ceremony was attended by representatives of Havanatur S.A. and tourism and sports authorities from Matanzas, who highlighted the event’s economic and promotional impact on the Varadero destination.